Take it From the Earth: A Short Guide to Smiling Upon It

It’s a lifestyle shift honoring the earth. Crafty people are leading the way to a cleaner world one vegan bath soap and handmade greeting card at a time. The ever-growing online resources for ideas on making homemade crafts are slowly educating people about the importance of keeping our supplies, once considered trash, out of landfills. Some of the most common items that are turning into super cute crafts include buttons, empty jars, egg cartons, cardboard tubes, old CDs, corks, candy wrappers and even wooden shipping pallets.

What can you do to do your part? Begin simply by recycling. Use recycled products. When crafting, whether creating projects with the kids or refinishing a piece of furniture or picture frame, these non-toxic tips can help you breathe easier.

No VOC

Are you changing the color of your kitchen and want to turn those white barstools into bright green ones? Consider the varnish. When it comes to paint, adhesives and inks, be sure to use VOC (volatile organic compound) free supplies. If you don’t, the volatile, nasty little solvents evaporate into air, form smog and damage our precious ozone while secretly hovering, trapped in our own homes.

Non-Toxify It

You and your kids can begin your play day by making your own art supplies. For example, use a Planet Pals recipe for non-toxic water colors by creating a baking soda, cornstarch, vinegar, sugar water, corn syrup mixture then add food coloring. Wait three hours and you can officially paint your way into an eco-friendly day.

Rip and Reuse

From recycled cardboard paper towel rolls helping to make a horn (along with waxed paper, a rubber band and a pen) to an empty oatmeal box cover assisting in the creation of a drum (with yarn, a pen, two pencils, two spools, construction paper and crayons), paper and cardboard top the list of handy dandy craft making. When thinking of your next project, don’t forget your pets! Cats love cardboard and paper. Create a fun kitty playhouse with old boxes that you have no use for. Once they tear that up, send it to the recycle bin.

Take it From Your Refrigerator

Planet Pals offers another fabulous idea using colored fruits and vegetables right out of your pantry or refrigerator. By boiling beets, you can safely color items like T-shirts and Play-Doh. Add some vinegar and give the items a little longer shelf life. But remember, the color is plant-based so it will eventually fade away; your kids will be tired of that color anyway … try blueberries next time.

Stick with Glue

Free your glue from the addition of animal elements, toxins, chemical dyes and additives by purchasing the natural stuff. With so many crafts needing this specific adhesive, it might be the single most important element to making your craft box earth friendly.

Awareness of the importance of using eco-friendly materials is swiftly growing. It’s not too late to save this green earth from toxic chemicals and irreversible air quality. Remember to work with eco-friendly craft supplies. According to Hug A Tree With Me, keep it green with organic, synthetic free, recyclable, post-consumer, all natural or biodegradable alternatives to the conventional craft materials.